Yongary 4K/Blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome

[lhb412]

Following Gorgo and Reptilicus we now have a similar package for Yongary! Packed with new extras, Matt Frank cover art, the exiting incomplete print of the original Korean language version... I'm not the biggest fan of this movie, but this deluxe treatment is looking kinda irresistible, and I missed the previous blu-ray from Kino Lorber. I'm thinking I might just go for the standard version without the heavy slipcase, though.

https://vinegarsyndrome.com/collections/frontpage/products/yongary-monster-from-the-deep


"This special limited edition 2-disc 4K UHD/Blu-ray set comes with a spot gloss hard slipcase + slipcover combo (designed by Matt Frank) and is limited to 6,000 units. It is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Earthquakes are causing havoc throughout Korea and it's no simple seismic mayhem, but instead the mythic monster Yongary emerging from the earth! After nuclear testing awakens the giant monster presaged in Korean folklore, Yongary threatens to level the country, breathing fire and stomping entire buildings. Only scientist Il-Woo, with the help of his girlfriend's prankster kid brother Icho, can figure out how to slow down the terrible Yongary, who gobbles up petroleum products and only appears to be growing stronger. The seemingly powerless army considers using guided missiles against Yongary, potentially demolishing ancient historical landmarks in order to save lives, all in the hope of stopping his fiery path of destruction.

Considered one of Korea's first giant monster epics, YONGARY, MONSTER FROM THE DEEP is a vital and original take on the genre, with an expertly handled monster, a healthy dose of humor, and even a clever touch of sentiment shown towards the monster itself. It also boasts masterful special effects crafted by the legendary Keizô Murase (Mothra, King Kong vs. Godzilla, Gamera, etc.) himself, character stories built around Il-Woo and Icho, and utterly exquisite miniature work. This kaiju classic and long-time staple on regional U.S. TV has something for everyone, including a jaw-dropping rock 'n roll dance sequence! The folkloric monster team at Vinegar Syndrome is proud to bring you this beloved creature classic, newly restored in 4K and finally featuring the surviving fragments of its original Korean language version.

directed by: Kim Ki-duk
starring: Yeong-il Oh, Jeong-im Nam, Lee Soon-jae, Moon Kang, Kwang Ho Lee
1967 / 80 min / 2.35:1 / English Mono

Additional info:

- 2-disc Set: 4K Ultra HD / Region A Blu-ray
- 4K UHD presented in Dolby Vision High-Dynamic-Range
- Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm interpositive
- Commentary track with film historian Samm Deighan
- Commentary track with film historian Steve Ryfle & writer/critic Kim Song-ho
- All that remains of Daegoesu Yonggari, the original Korean cut of Yongary with newly translated English subtitles, sourced from tape and courtesy of the Korean Film Archive (48 min)
- Archival video interview with legendary kaiju suitmaker Keizo Murase, originally produced for TohoKingdom.com (20 min)
- "Yongary: The Birth of Korea's Monster" (19 min) - a featurette with Korean film historians Kim Hyun-jae, Hong Gi-hun, and Park Sang-kyu
- Video introduction by film historian Sean Rhoads, co-author of Japan's Green Monsters: Environmental Commentary in Kaiju Cinema (8 min)
- Image gallery
- Anatomy poster by renowned kaiju artist Matt Frank
- Reversible sleeve artwork
- English SDH subtitles"

[lhb412]

Got my copy. Not the biggest fan of this movie, but this assortment of extras is extraordinary. Definitely a must-have for anyone interested in how the Korean film industry intersected with the kaiju boom.

BTW, I just got the standard edition sans slipcase but it still included Matt's foldout Yongary anatomy poster!

[Benjamin Haines]

Nice! I still haven't gotten Vinegar Syndrome's release of Reptilicus but I'll be getting that and Yongary at some point. Their Gorgo release is outstanding.

Could Gappa be on Vinegar Syndrome's radar? I guess they'd have to go through Criterion to get Guilala or any of the other Shochiku flicks.